The Blog

PROVINCETOWN, MA. After two days of torrential rain and wind, the Provincetown annual Swim for Life & Paddler Flotilla emerged on Saturday to clear blue skies, bright sunshine and warm and friendly water. In its 28th year, this traditional, post-Labor Day event generated an estimated $200,000 for AIDS, women’s health & the community with the support of 404 swimmers, 75+ kayakers and safety boats and 150 volunteers. Swimmers came from across the US, Canada, London and Bulgaria.

The Mystic makes a dramatic visit to Long Point for Swim start!

The event at the Boatslip Beach Club, sponsored by the Provincetown Community Compact and organized by director Jay Critchley, honored two swimmers who have swum 25 times: Joe Stewart of Baltimore and Bill Silvestri of Boston. They were presented jackets imprinted with, The Compact Long Point Award 2015. The annual David Asher Volunteer Award was presented to Far Land Provisions, owned by Tom Boland and Jim Farley, for their community business and involvement and their long time catering of the post-Swim Mermaid Brunch. Jim has also swum fourteen times.

Abby Walker and Zoe Galaburda, seven years old, swam the 1.4 miles distance in a pool over the summer as a “Satellite Swim” and raised over $2,000. And Mark Kitteredge of Randolph, MA collected 14,500 bottles and cans and raised $747.50 for the Swim.

Although not a race, times are recorded for personal best. The fastest male swimmer was Justin Burkhardt of Portland, ME at 28 minutes, 27 seconds. Top female finisher was Kristen Read of Kennebunk, ME at 29 minutes, 25 seconds.

Other weekend events included the festive Celebration of Life Concert the night before the Swim at the UU Meeting House, produced by John Thomas, and, the Mermaid Brunch on the Boatslip deck following the Swim. Zoe Lewis provided entertainment. The awards ceremony was assisted Tom Donegan, Chair of the Board of Selectmen.